Elbow Position Using a Bridge

I was practicing one day about 6 years ago at my normal jaunt and I had to use a rake (I like to call it a bridge, so hence-forth bridge means the rake, not the bridge you make with your hand when shooting).  

 

I grabbed the bridge, got down on my stance and shot (and made) the ball in front of me.  As I walk around the table for my next shot, my friend Robbie (and a local favorite in the pool room) comes flying from the other side of the room, "Melinda, Melinda!"  

 

Sheesh, what??

 

He said, "I don't normally interfere in people's practice session, but I noticed how you were using the bridge and I learned a long time ago from..." (of course now I forgot the person's name).... "to use the bridge with your elbow to the side, not like you were using. "

 

Huh?

 

I replied, "oh okay."

 

I went on my merry way and didn't have to use a bridge again during that practice session, but when I did the next time, I positioned my elbow up and to the side, instead of my elbow being straight down.

 

You all may already know this.  Heck it's probably in every pool book and I just don't recall, but I had to share this in case others are unaware like I was.

 

I have seen every snooker-backgrounded player use a bridge this way, yet I never did!   In A Mind for Tennis, the guy talks about learning from imitating and watching, yet I saw so many pros use the bridge that way and never did.  

 

 

When I started to use the bridge in that position from then on, I felt more comfortable, more solid, more secure.

 

I hope you see a difference, too.

 

I admit there is never true right and wrong in pool - there are OPTIONS.  But I beg you to try using a bridge with your elbow to the side (if you aren't already) and notice how much more stability you have.  At first it might feel awkward, but only after a few shots (or strokes), you will notice you do have much more control. 

 

 

Pink Bridge

Isn't this cool??

Yep - a pink bridge!

This was at Jamaica Joe's, for October for Breast Cancer Awareness month, because they also had a pink felted pool table!

Using a Bridge - Advice

During the team event at ACS Nationals, one of our opponents were from San Antonio and they are friends of ours.

One of them is actually a really good friend of mine.

She is a fantastic shooter, too!

She is short (not sure of her height but she has to be close to 5 foot or less) and when she used a bridge and NAILED a really tough shot for the win, I complimented her on it.

I exclaimed, "WOW, hell of a shot!  Especially with a bridge!   I don't think I could have made it withOUT the bridge."

Seriously.

She replies, "Well, I sleep with a bridge."

And we all laughed, imaging her with a bridge in her bed next to her, lol.

"No seriously, I actually try to run out an entire rack, every shot, with a bridge.  I practice this because of my height."

This is a very good tip for ALL heights, my friends.  

One day I want to try this out.  I bet it's tougher than we realize!  (esp since I can barely run a rack out without the bridge, lol).  

But, this is a great tip that I wanted to share!